Slieve Aughty Mountains Ride

Introduction
Connemara/Galway Ireland
Ireland is undoubtedly a nature lover's paradise. In the West of Ireland, a truly unique combination of sand-and limestone soils, bog lands, lakes and woodlands exist.

The peat or bog land is one of Ireland’s greatest natural assets, not only as an energy source, but as some of its last wild areas. In some places, you can even spot the Celtic toughers still crossing the bogs. The Burren is a unique limestone landscape with a truly spectacular beauty. The high degree of light, the Gulf Stream and the warm limestone enables arctic-alpine and contrasting Mediterranean plants to grow together. For thousands of years it has been used as excellent grazing land. The rich concentration of stone monuments, castles, churches and tower houses prove the significance of settlers in this natural treasure. Riding along the never ending stone walls and historical famine roads is an exclusive Irish experience. For six days you will be discovering Ireland's beauty and colorful history on horseback. Your horse will be carrying you about 140 Miles from County Galway, westwards through the rural areas of County Clare and into the unique Burren region.

The ride begins with the peaceful forests of the Slieve Aughty Mountains and their fascinating views over the majestic Lough Derg and River Shannon. Along the track we will be passing old farm ruins and miles of stonewalls, before we head across the extensive areas of bog land. Leaving sheltered pasture, we then head for the top of the hills and onto the sandy shores of Lough Graney. Lovely wood tracks take us further westwards overlooking Glandaria, the wide fertile valley of the River Shannon, and we will cross the boggy uplands. County Clare unfolds around us, in the distance rising hills of the famous Burren National Park. The distinctive scenery of the world renowned Burren will accompany us for the last two days of the ride. The lunar like landscape of this limestone area not only bears an immensely individual flora and fauna, but boasts a stunning variety of prehistoric settlements. Dolmens and Wedge Tombs line up next to Norman stone fort ruins and Celtic ring forts. Eventually we head westwards through the Burren and up the last hill for the breathtaking view over the Atlantic Sea, the famous Aran Islands and the rugged Connemara Mountains. The extremely rough shore  line of County Clare stretches out under us for the last hard gallop!

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a stationary ride so all nights will be spent in one location.

Description
We will overnight in the tastefully restored 300 year-old farmhouse - the heart of the riding center. The ambiance of old times gone by is carefully maintained and yet all modern facilities for the riding guests are provided. You can relax peacefully in your individually decorated rooms with private bath. It's said that this special place, called "The Mountain", is an inspiration to all who stand on its threshold and recapture the simplicity and peace of this idyllic setting. You'll find yourself in a home away from home as you cozy up to the peat fire with a tea or coffee in hand with the sounds of the farm and life to serenade you.
Washing machines are available to use, but we do not have a dryer. There is WIFI access at the riding center and farmhouse.



Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory is we are unable to find another rider to share.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8.

In the comfortable dining room the guests enjoy the hearty Irish Breakfast and traditional farmhouse cooking, sitting by the open turf fire. You will enjoy fresh home cooked meals, gourmet-style with many locally grown ingredients, and traditional homemade bread and cakes.

Alcohol is not included, but can be purchased or guests can bring their own.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions given prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Saturday is a resting day for our horses!

Horses
The Irish horse is renowned for its stamina, versatility and gentleness and will therefore provide an ideal companion for an unforgettable vacation. You will make friends here with proud examples of several typical Irish breeds such as the tall but gentle Irish Draught, the lively and clever Connemara, the fine and energetic Irish Hunter, the beautifully coloured Irish Piebald and the intelligent and comfortable Irish Cob.

Itinerary


This is the perfect riding holiday for the novice or the experienced rider in the heart of the Irish nature. It includes 6 riding days with a total of 15 riding hours - trail riding or lessons.

The riding center is in the rural West of Ireland, just a few miles from the little village of Mountshannon with its unique monastic settlement on Holy Island in the Lough Derg. The riding centre is nestled in the rolling hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains with miles and miles of riding tracks all around. Heather covered bog land and extensive woods invite you to discover the beautiful nature on our horses. Again and again the rider can enjoy the fascinating views over the majestic River Shannon and the juicy green fields enclosed by miles of storytelling stonewalls.

There are lots of beautiful and ancient places to be discovered on horseback day after day: from the remnants of the poteen makers cottage to the dolmens (Celtic burial sites up to 5000 years old) can be visited on horseback! The experienced rider can go for daily guided rides, always discovering a new area on little tracks, forest lanes and quiet roads.

The more novice rider will be introduced to the skills of horsemanship and can take part in the basic riding tuition in a relaxed atmosphere. Of course, every novice rider will also get to enjoy his/hers new equine friend on hacks through the lovely countryside.


Sample Itinerary for Ballinasloe Horse Fair - subject to changes

Each year, in late September / early October, we run a special program for the Ballinasloe Horse Fair.

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Transfer (if booked) from Shannon airport to the Riding Centre in County Clare. Lunch at the riding centre.
In the afternoon, boat ride to Holy Island to visit the ruins of one of Irelands most important monastic settlements.
Tonight, traditional home cooked dinner by the open peat fire.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 2 (Sunday): Horse Fair
After breakfast, drive to the famous horse fair in Ballinasloe. Spend all day between hundreds of horses – just looking…we are not bringing a horse trailer.
Drive back to the riding center in the late afternoon for dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 3 (Monday): Country Rides
Full Irish breakfast followed by a 2-hour ride through the beautiful Irish countryside. Back to the riding centre for tasty lunch.
After lunch, go on a 1 hour ride on ancient Celtic trails.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 4 (Tuesday): Ride & Pallas Castle Visit
This morning, we go on a 2-hour ride across the magical landscape of peat and heather.
After the lunch at the riding centre, we visit the ruins of the impressive Pallas Castle, one of the best preserved tower-houses and walled castle grounds of the 14th century.
Drive back to the riding center for dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 5 (Wednesday): Full Day Ride
We go on a full day ride. In the morning, we ride about 2 hours through rural farmland. We stop for picnic lunch along the trail. After our break, we get back in the saddle for an extra 1 to 1.5 hour in the saddle, passing a 5000 year old Celtic Dolmen.
Dinner in the comfy atmosphere of the riding centre.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 6 (Thursday): Departure
Time to say “slan abhaile” to your Irish mounts.
Transfer (if booked) back to Shannon airport.
Meals included: Breakfast


Non-Riders
Non-riders are also welcome, there is plenty to for them to do including hiking, cycling, sightseeing, fishing, golfing etc.

Rates and Dates for Slieve Aughty Mountains Ride

Dates Note:
Available weekly from SA to SA. Shorter stays are possible on request.

Other Info
Meeting: Whitegate
Airport: Shannon
Transfer: Shannon

Climate:
                                               Whitegate area

• PAS 015:1998
• SNELL E2001
• ASTM F1163
• AS/NZS3838 2003
• VG1 01.040 2014-12